[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs
The 1980s brought changes to music history and had a huge influence on later musicians.
Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire…
Even those who didn’t live through the era can sink into a sense of nostalgia that feels familiar somehow.
Compared to modern songs, the classics of the ’80s often boast purer song quality and stronger musical structure—or, seen another way, the larger market meant bigger budgets, letting you enjoy luxuriously produced sounds.
Find a favorite track and really dive into it!
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[1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80’s Best Hit Songs (121–130)
First LoveStryper
When it comes to Christian metal bands from the ’80s, it has to be Stryper.
This track showcases Michael Sweet’s powerful high notes ringing out.
With its truly divine melodic lines, it’s a masterpiece that will captivate even those who aren’t metal fans.
Rush HourJane Wiedlin
Jane, who played rhythm guitar for the Go-Go’s—the first all-female rock band to reach No.
1 on the U.S.
charts—didn’t achieve the same solo breakout as Belinda Carlisle after the band split, but she did reach No.
9 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this song.
It showcases a fresh, wholesome style of girl-pop that’s distinct from Belinda’s.
Don’t Answer MeThe Alan Parsons Project
In the 1980s, the heyday of MTV, this music video was especially impactful.
It’s a ballad by The Alan Parsons Project, known for their hit “Eye in the Sky.” The comic book–style visuals pair perfectly with the nostalgic melody—a classic that epitomizes a bright, optimistic era.
Welcome To The JungleGuns N’ Roses
With razor-sharp guitar riffs and scream-like vocals that stir the listener’s instincts, this is a shocking track by Guns N’ Roses.
Their debut album, Appetite for Destruction, which features this song, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
It powerfully portrays the fear of young people thrown into the urban jungle and their descent into chaos.
Since its release as a single in the UK in September 1987, it has colored countless forms of media, including the film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and various games.
When you want to blast away the boredom of everyday life or push yourself to the limit, listening to it will ignite the fighting spirit within.
Blue MondayNew Order
Overcoming the tragedy of their predecessor band and steering toward the dance floor, the British rock band New Order released this track in March 1983.
A groundbreaking dance tune running over seven minutes, it revolutionized the club scene.
In contrast to its mechanical, cool beat, the lyrics portray confusion and heartache over mistreatment by someone they once trusted.
Some may remember it being used in a Sunkist commercial.
Often hailed as a bridge between ’70s disco and ’90s house, this song seeps deep into the heart on nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts, its stylish, melancholic sound resonating all the more.
I Wanna Be AdoredThe Stone Roses
This is a signature track from The Stone Roses’ debut album, said to have had a major influence on later British rock bands such as Oasis.
The title means “I want to be adored,” and the song conveys a message about not pretending to be someone you’re not and having confidence in yourself.
Slow an’ EasyWhitesnake
Formed by David Coverdale in 1977 after Deep Purple disbanded.
The 1980s marked a period of breakthrough as they expanded into the United States, and this first release on Geffen Records became a major hit album, achieving double platinum status.
Call MeBlondie
Number one in the U.S.
in 1980.
It’s the theme from the Richard Gere film American Gigolo.
Giorgio Moroder, who was in charge of the music, supposedly first approached Stevie Nicks.
The song matched the film’s opening scene of driving along the coastline very well.
Live To TellMadonna
It hit No.
1 in the U.S.
in 1986.
It was the lead single released ahead of the album True Blue.
I actually think this might be the song that became a turning point allowing Madonna to sustain such a long career.
At the time, it wasn’t well received by people who wanted the breezy dance beats typical of Madonna.
Even for ballads, they felt it wasn’t “Madonna-like” unless it was something sweet like Crazy for You.
But this is a masterpiece that deepens the more you listen.
I believe the lyrics are by her and the music by her co-writer, P.
Leonard, and Madonna’s greatness lies in having the breadth to embrace a song like this.
Back in BlackAC/DC
It’s the song “Back in Black,” released in 1980 by the legendary rock band AC/DC, whose guitarist’s shorts and high-pitched vocals are trademarks.
The aggressive guitar riff is especially memorable.
It’s also a standard tune musicians jam on.
It’s an irresistible track for the generation of rock-loving moms and dads.
